Snapshots of the Season

Our company Grill Masters, R.P. Newton and Steve Kendrick getting the main course ready for us to devour!

Anne Kendrick and Miles posing for a shot in front of the tree before dinner.

Marty Kersey, Dave and Tori Hargis, R.P. Newton and Anne Marie Cale scarfing down the homemade fruit salsa and cinnamon sugar chips Dave made for our incredible appetizer!

Deborah Way, Anne, Dave and Tori enjoying pre-dinner conversation.

Steve and Will

Anne Marie, Marty and R.P. contemplating the right answer to their Cranium question. They successfully won the game, I might add!

Sugar Bake Shop located on Cannon Street did an amazing job baking tasty cookies for us to give out this holiday! I think we all gained about 5 extra pounds after all the sampling we did, we just couldn't help ourselves!

Co-owner Bill with Anne Marie and all our boxes of cookies!

One of my favorite things we did this holiday was to buy Christmas clothing and toys for children who have a mother or father in prison. Each gift was purchased on behalf of the parent who is unable to spend Christmas with their child.

Sophie, Will and Miles were perfect for the job! They had great ideas as to what we should by our Angel Tree children so they would have fun gifts sitting under their Christmas tree!

James Island County Park Festival of Lights displaying the old and new Cooper River Bridge through lights!

We hope you and your family are surrounded by the hope, peace, joy and gift of this holiday season! From all of us at Structures!

Just the Typical Holiday Greeting Card

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Fine Homebuilding Magazine Article

From Fine Homebuilding211, pp. 16-22
April 29, 2010

"Remodeling and construction are service businesses, not commodity businesses. In a slow economy especially, homeowners and architects are well advised to remember this fact when selecting contractors. Although bidding can provide a homeowner with a low initial price to do a project, it is likely not a good way to select a contractor to get high construction quality. To do this, it is best to choose the most desirable contractor based on a perception of his competence and fairness; his track record of building well-designed projects; and insightful comments received both from customers and architects with whom he has worked. After a contractor has been selected and has carefully reviewed and commented on the information in the drawings and specifications, then it’s time for him and the homeowner to negotiate a detailed price for the work. " for the entire article http://t.co/BIb8OlP

Lot Cleared, Memories Preserved

Welcome the newest members of the Structures family, Mike and Janet McClain! The lot has been cleared for their Old Village Custom Home and with the clearing came an unexpected surprise. A note was found on the driveway from Renee explaining that she lived in the previous house on this lot as a child and left imprints of her hands in the concrete when the driveway was initially instated. With the help of A.B. Evans, we were able to secure the handprints in a block of concrete and return it to her. This lot has preserved many memories and we hope the McClains will continue to make many more.

Building Up the Community

The Structures team partnered with Daniel Island Real Estate and Operation Home last Friday to help the Fishburne family by building a ramp and executing kitchen renovations. The family's kitchen was in need of significant repairs including holes in the floor and cabinet reconstruction.

Special thanks to Carpet Baggers for new kitchen flooring, Sullivan Custom Cabinets for new cabinets that matched the previous ones perfectly, Ferguson Enterprises for plumbing fixtures, East Cooper Plumbing and Gas for plumbing hookups, Buck Lumber for the necessary building materials for the ramp, Marty Kersey from the Structures team for organizing and implementing the project, Randy Wilke who spent many hours collaborating with Marty, Hawk McElveen for assisting Randy with the trim, and NYPD Pizza for generously discounted pizza that fed the whole crew and family. This project served as an exceptional way to further build relationships by giving back to the community.

The Structures Team

Deborah Way, RP Newton, Steve Kendrick, Marty Kersey, Dave Hargis

Congratulations on Turning 7 RP!

Join us in celebrating RP's 7th year as Production Manager with Structures. RP thoroughly manages and estimates the minute details of each and every project with precision and years of experience. Each project is an opportunity for RP to ensure that all the client's ideas and expectations are realized!

Annual Prism Awards

Each year, we look forward with great anticipation to the Prism Awards. The 22 year old tradition was hosted by the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association on September 24th. This year they presented awards to local home builders and agents who exceed standards in product quality, marketing, new home sales and customer service. The Structures Team aims to build a quality product, no matter the size or budget, that exceeds the expectations along with an incredible building experience that leaves the client raving and surprised that the process could be so fun!

This year, Steven Kendrick was honored with the Green Building award for our Coastal Living Idea Cottage located in I'On Village, Mount Pleasant. Along with the Green Building Award, we received the Single Family Best Product in the 500-700k category.

Too early to begin working towards the awards for 2011? The Structures Team is already preparing for the 23rd Prism Awards as we know that it doesn't come through just an entry submission, but rather a continued dedication to building on the foundation of integrity, which in turn translates into an excellent product and a satisfied client!

The New York Times: 36 Hours in Charleston

From Historic Downtown Charleston to Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island, the points of interest and restaurants surrounding the peninsula are seemingly overflowing. As residents of Charleston, South Carolina we never cease to discover a new local restaurant or experience a meticulously preserved plantation. But if you're interested in a more public display of the intriguing entities that Charleston and the neighboring areas have to offer, check out the New York Times 36 Hours in Charleston. It boasts eateries such as Cypress Lowcountry Grille and WildFlour Pastry and boutique shopping at Magar Hatworks and Blue Bicycle Books. If artistic endeavors and Lowcountry wanderings are more your speed, take the Times up on their nods toward Wadmalaw's scenic vineyard, Charleston's Saturday morning Farmer's Market, or the Dock Street Theatre's early English opera "Flora". The New York Times reviews the complete 36 Hours itinerary, accentuating but not exhausting the endless highlights of this coastal city.

Charleston's 34th Annual Fall Tour of Houses and Gardens

Each fall, the Charleston Preservation Society makes it possible for residents and tourists alike to venture through the historical homes, churches, and public buildings that make Charleston the sought after city that it is through the 34th Annual Tour of Houses and Gardens. Each historic neighborhood plays a significant role in the heritage of Charleston, and homeowners are generous enough to allow those interested to peruse the interior aspects and exterior gardens for a more intimate look. The tour runs from September 23 - October 24 and tickets are available as individual day tours or weekend packages. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience a personal tour of the interiors of Downtown Charleston and learn more about the culture, architecture, and history of this quaint city.

Charleston: USTA's 2010 Best Tennis Town

Charleston, South Carolina was recently voted the United States Tennis Association's 2010 Best tennis Town, beating out 81 other cities. Besides the honor bestowed by such an award, the city received $100,000 to use towards community-wide tennis programming or facility enhancements. As a community dedicated to and passionate about the game, the money will serve to continue the commitment to the sport of tennis in the lives of young children and adults alike.

Mayor Joe Riley brought the Family Circle Cup, an influential tournament that has significantly influenced the popularity of women's professional tennis, to Charleston in 2001. Each year Daniel Island hosts this exciting tradition and showcases some of the most accomplished women in tennis such as: Steffi Graff, Venus and Serena Williams, Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Jennifer Capriati, and Martina Hingis. The next Family Circle Cup is scheduled for April 2-10, 2011, so be sure to check out ticket information and see for yourself why Charleston continues to charm its way to the top of awards lists.

Named in the Top Ten

Our hometown, Mount Pleasant, SC, recently received one of the All-America City (AAC) awards, a title that's given to only ten cities across the United States. Each year, the National Civic League selects cities that demonstrate innovation in the areas of improving education, job creation, community revitalization, reduction in crime, work with youth and much more.

Each AAC finalists tells their community story, lists two of their most pressing challenges and three outstanding community projects. This year, we had the privilege of hearing the Town of Mount Pleasant called out in Kansas City!

Great things that are taking place in this incredible town of ours. . . but it's also a reminder of the many opportunities we have to give of our time, gifts and resources. Want to get involved in a great ministry or charity? Here just a few to consider, but there are many more that would love our helping hands and support!

• East Cooper Habitat for Humanity
• Crisis Ministries
• Big Brothers Big Sisters

Congrats Dave on Celebrating Your 5th!

Your role as a key player on the Structures team for the past five years remains true as clients regularly attest to your ability to problem solve, communicate clearly, and manage jobs. With candidness and extreme care, you oversee every detail and aspect of the job as if it were your own. Each year the skill and perspective you provide as Project Manager instills confidence and gratitude in our clients’ building process. Thanks for all you do and will continue to do- Congratulations!

Let Freedom Ring

The city of Charleston is known for its preservation and celebration of historical events and society, so why should the 4th of July be any different? Celebrating the anniversary of our nation's independence stretches far beyond Historic Downtown Charleston and far exceeds any sparkling display of loud booms and lights I've ever seen.

The Structures family is thankful for the freedom we have in this country and the freedom to enjoy 4th of July celebrations from many locations in town. The USS Yorktown, located at Patriot's Point, did not disappoint this year by providing great music and a colorful array of bright lights that could only merit genuine "oohs and aahs". If you didn't make it over the bridge to Patriot's Point, you may have seen firework shows light up the beautiful Sullivan's Island or James Island sky. Many found themselves at Joe Riley Stadium, home of the Riverdogs for a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Delighted fans and onlookers definitely enjoyed a nighttime display after the minor league baseball game.

Hopefully you took advantage of the opportunity to feast on hotdogs and spend time with friends and family while enjoying the warm summer night in celebration of independence and freedom on this 4th of July, we sure did!

Here to Stay!

Congratulations are in order for some very special members of the Structures family, Herb and Dolores Kemp! They were just handed the keys to their Daniel Island Park custom home this month. We couldn't be more excited that they are swapping one "C" for another and making the move from Connecticut to Charleston.

Herb and Dolores built their custom home using Structures' HouseSimple process. We were able to create their "dream cottage" over the course of just three trips to Charleston. Each trip was both fun and productive as we finalized the custom selections for their home. In between trips their email inbox was continually brightened with progressive pictures of the interior and exterior details of their home.

Even with all of the pictures and updates, nothing could have captured the pure joy that spread across Herb and Dolores' faces as they arrived at their new home to take in every detail in person. It was such a pleasure to walk them through and share in their excitement as they pointed out every detail and finishing touch that made this home their own.

So glad we could be a part of truly making Charleston your new home. Can't wait to stop by when you're all settled!

Spoleto 2010 Has Something for Everyone!

Take a stroll through any setting from Starbucks to the public library on Calhoun in Historic Downtown Charleston and you are sure to see colorful posters adorning the walls, boasting of Charleston's Spoleto Festival.

If these images don't peak your interest, allow me. Today marks the beginning of the 34th season of Spoleto Festival USA. Over the next 17 days, more than 140 performances will take place throughout the downtown area in venues such as the Gibbes Museum of Art and Dock Street Theatre. Renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music will fill the charming city of Charleston. I have to admit, one of my all time favorites is simply the "one man band" who stands on the corner just drawing a constant crowd of onlookers.

If you're anything like me you'd want to rearrange your entire schedule to fit in as many shows as possible. The combination of charming Southern hospitality coupled with historic buildings, rich culture, and harbor sunsets will only make the artistic expression more enticing. Hopefully you and I will take time to experience just another great tradition this beautiful city has to offer!

Woman's Work!

I've been a huge supporter of the mission of Habitat for Humanity for many years, but this was the first year I've been a part of the National Woman Build Week where all volunteers are. . . you guessed it, women! Since I've done most of my volunteer work through Structures Building Company, this was the first time I was going to experience it on a completely different level. The biggest difference was, (for the safety of the volunteers) no power tools were allowed. You think to yourself, "no big deal". . . but anyone in the industry knows that a switch like that takes framing to a completely different level and time schedule, slightly different when you're using hammers and nails as opposed to nail guns. Did that deter any of the woman who came out to work on the framing? No Way! We all went at it with gusto! I have to admit, it was quite humorous as you looked around to take in the different "hammering styles". You saw the "two handed swing", the "right up on the neck of the hammer to get the most ump" and one of my favorites was, Tori Stein, of Atlantic Builders Inc., who insisted that this side of the hammer had better coverage to hit the head of the nail. No worries, Tori made up for anything she didn't bring to the workday by bring a Lead Carpenter Morgan who was THE BEST female volunteer! Morgan truly knew what in the world she was doing! (of course Tori knows how to really swing a hammer but as you can see, we were all determined to have humor and fun incorporated into our hard work!

This home is being built for the Martinez Family - Maribel is a single mother of three, Maria, Ivan and Tonya. Maria is currently serving in the Marines, Ivan will graduate from high school this year and Tonya was just accepted into the Charleston Collegiate High School! It was fun to have just a small part in this exciting journey for this incredible family!

I'm so glad the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association (CTHBA) gathered up stellar women, near and far to come out for this opportunity! It's great to be a part of a company and the CTHBA, which places a huge value on the community and actively looks for opportunities to bring our hands and tools to the table!

My Island Town Interviews Members of the Structures Family

Rick and Linda Pylant were interviewed today by My Island Town about their CustomHome process.

"It's been fun participating in the process, says Linda, adding that building a new home isn't as scary as some people think. The great thing about building is you get exactly what you want, " she says.

The Structures Team feels so privileged to be working with Rick and Linda! Everyone who walks into their home is amazed by all the beautiful features found in their beautiful Daniel Island Park home, designed by Herlong and Associates. Click here to read the entire interview.

A Business that Crosses the Line. . . Into Friendship

Have you ever walked into a party and found yourself ducking because you saw someone across the room you really didn't want to run into? I've never taken for granted that I don't have to duck and run when I bump into our clients in this small, quaint town. Rather, if you were observing a "run in", you would most likely hear a loud and warm hello and watch a warm embrace. . . that's how it is among family.

Taking a client for granted isn't considered in the mind of the Structures Team. Rather each member brings the mindset that we want to built the CustomHome as if it was our own. We work incredibly hard to provide an enjoyable and organized building process and an impeccable end product - quite simply. . . we won't stand for anything less. But that's not it, once we turn over the keys, we don't "disown" the new addition to our ever growing family, we remain a part of their lives.

Just last week, we were all really encouraged by the kind words we received in an email from Dave and Joan Brown of Daniel Island Park.

"I'm emailing my compliments on the manner in which your associates handled our one year punch list. All was handled in a timely and considerate manner. All subs performed their work in most competently. Particular kudos go to Marty for his day to day follow ups, advance notices and courtesies. And of course we have always appreciated the ongoing help and courtesies of both RP Newton and David Hargis throughout our entire relationship.

We are and continue to be your best walking advertisement."

Terry Haas Tours Us Through Some Diverse Daniel Island Homes

Join Structures client and HGTV's Designed To Sell, Terry Haas as she tours us through some diverse places to call home on Daniel Island! For those considering life on The Island, it really does offer an array of places to call home!



Whether you're looking for a lot or resale, feel free to contact the outstanding team of agents ready to show you around this Island Town!

Don't Take our Word for It

We'd like to thank our current custom building clients for the following survey feedback provided through GuildQuality in reference to their building experience.

"I live in a different state and they keep me informed with photos, phone calls, information. This is the first house we have built and they have made it pleasant and I have alot of confidence and believe everything they say they are going to do. " -- Herb and Dolores Kemp, Daniel Island Park

"Very professional and knowledgeable in all phases of the building process. Their team works well together. Always explains things in lay terms. Will offer alternative solutions during the building process if they notice a better way for something to be done. Very upfront & address's any issues that arise and takes responsibility. We would highly recomend them and do!" -- Rick and Linda Pylant, Daniel Island Park

"If people are looking for a custom builder that will give them a very personal approach and listen to their needs then this is the right company." -- James Eastman, Downtown Charleston

Hats Off to Our Builder 20 Relatives in Colorado!

Congratulations to Charlie and Nancy Shea of Colorado! What an accomplishment for C.R. Shea Homes to receive the state's first National Association Home Builder's gold rating!

The article begins:

"A local custom home builder who was ready to build a spec home in Pine Creek when recession hit in 2007 decided to take a chance on the home with green building — and made history in the process. . ." Click here to read the full article.

Behind The Scenes on the Charleston Home+Design Commercial Shoot

What a great opportunity we had working with Publisher, Tim Barkley with Charleston Home+Design Magazine and HGTV's, Designed to Sell, Terry Haas at the video shoot of a commercial for the Charleston Home+Design Show. We were approached about using a Structures custom home as the "back drop" for their commercial.

We picked up the phone and contacted Architect and Structures client, Christopher Caponigro and Tamra Measure of Daniel Island Park. They designed their home and approached us to build it in 2007 and have enjoyed living in what they created this past year.

Check out the behind the scenes video that was taken the day of the commercial shoot for Charleston Home+Design Magazine. Terry Haas is seen speaking about her new E-Book, You Win Guide! - a comprehensive guide to helping sellers walk through their home, room by room to make the best impression for the buyer! Check it out!

Terry's YouTube video clip runs from .00-4:52
Structures Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Deborah Way and Architect, Christopher Caponigro's YouTube video clip/testimonial runs from 4:53-8:56.

So Much To Experience and So Little Time

I'm not sure why it's taken me almost 5 years to finally sign up for the Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown, but I can guarantee it won't be the last year I will take advantage of this great opportunity for us locals. A friend and I bundled up this past Saturday to make our way out to Magnolia Plantation off Ashley River Road - can I just say, it was in the low 30's, but with windchill, it definitely felt more like the 20's! (Last I checked, I lived in SOUTH Carolina, we're not used to this cold)

We signed up for the tours and discovered a great place we will be visiting again in the Spring when it's perfect weather for the boat tour and outdoor gardens. We had a great time, discovered more of our history and enjoyed taking a bunch of fun pictures along the beautiful drive.

If you're anything like me, the days turn into weeks and then before I know it, 2011 will be here just as fast as 2010 arrived. . . I'm planning on taking the time to enjoy the place we call "home" and so many consider their "vacation"! I wonder where we'll end up as "tourist" this coming weekend!

If you'd like to enjoy our Lowcountry too, another great event is right around the corner in a few weeks! The Southeast Tourism Society has listed this in their Top 20 and it's going to be right here in our backyard at Boone Hall Plantation. January 31st from 11-5pm over 65,000 pounds of oysters will be enjoyed by many in the Lowcountry! Never been? Why not change that this year and make your way out for a day of fun and good eats!

For more information, you can click on the links above or call Boone Hall Plantation - 843.577.4030!